Goals from Maurile Bassinga and Soussou Ilendo gave 2007 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners Congo, a 2-1 win in the start against debutants South Sudan whose goal was scored by Paul Mara.
The Bright Stars failed to shine against the Red Devils in their opening Group B encounter of the 2023 tournament on Monday at the Suez stadium in Ismaila, Egypt.
Maurile Bassinga broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, through an assist from Davarel Mouandza. Sousssou Ilendo increased the Red Devils lead from the penalty spot three minutes past the hour mark.
Paul Mara managed to pull one back seven minutes from full time following a pass from Agumemboki Abishai.
HISTORY 🤩
The moment Paul Jawa scored South Sudan’s first-ever #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 goal 🎯 pic.twitter.com/UDwrOZPdLN
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 20, 2023
The Bright Stars of South Sudan pushed their Congolese counterparts to the limits and came close to snatching a famous point. But their efforts proved futile at the end as the Congolese earned a nervy 2-1 victory over debutants South Sudan at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Talking Points
Strong mentality from the Congo U-20 – The Group B clash at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia was a competitive match as both teams were eager to start their campaign on a positive note.
Player of the Match
Maurile Bassinga (Congo) – His heroics during the game earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award and he praised his colleagues for helping to secure the win. “It is very important to start the competition with a win, it will help us in the upcoming matches in the tournament.”
Team sheets
South Sudan: Yogusuk (GK); Bichok, Sarfino, Bul, Emmanuel; Loro, Wani, Norman; Tito, Abishai, Kennedy
Subs: Atiki, Mabior, Thomas, Silver, Jawa.
Congo: Wamba (GK); Mombouli, Ngongara, Bowamba; Manouana; Nongo, Ngandziami, Soussou, Diambomba; Loulendo, Bassinga.
Subs: Saikou, Nzaou, Mossala, Oniangue.
Key Stats
• Congo have not lost their three opening matches in three appearances.
• South Sudan scored their first goal of the tournament in their debut appearance.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇸 1-2 🇨🇬
Congo claimed their first #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 victory since winning the title in 2007.@Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/mGPcLpekSf
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 20, 2023
Situation of Group B
Uganda tops Group B because of a better disciplinary record though equal on points and goal difference with Congo. Congo will face Uganda on February 23 at 6:00 pm GMT+1 before ending their group campaign against CAR on Feb 26.
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